OK Manufacturing Ends Production Of Arcade Games

Marcus Webb

SALT LAKE CITY — Calling it a “hard decision,” OK Manufacturing executives said they will phase out the arcade division while continuing to build bulk vending equipment.

“OK Manufacturing is still very much alive and healthy, and moving forward toward growth,” said owners Jeff Ostler, Kurt Ostler and Jamie Beers. They noted the firm is privately owned, has no debt and has made a profit every year.

Officials said arcade sales represented only 21% of the company’s 2007 volume. Considering “the expense of attending the various arcade trade shows, sending reps out to distributors and supporting OK Manufacturing’s arcade division, costs are not in line with the return on investment,” said the owners. “It just doesn’t make sense for us at this time to continue with our arcade division and the associated expenses.”

Still in stock at presstime were Gravity Hill, Skittleball, Tractor Time, Putt Fore Prizes, GH2 Extreme and several crane models. “We are currently in the last production run of these games and recommend that those interested in purchasing any units from this last run call as soon as possible,” executives said. The phone number is (800) 748-5480.

OK, founded in 1992, said it continues to grow in the home simulator market and will debut iPod-licensed computer products at the January 2008 Consumer Electronics Show.